Like fizzy drinks, fruit juice and squash can be high in sugar, which can cause tooth decay and lead to obesity. The best drinks to give children are water and milk.

Like fizzy drinks, fruit juice and squash can be high in sugar, which can cause tooth decay. Because sugary drinks can be high in energy (calories), having these drinks too often can also lead to weight gain and obesity.

The best drinks to give children are plain water and milk.

If your children do have sugary drinks, limit these to mealtimes rather than giving them as snacks in between meals.

Healthier drinks for children

If your children like drinking milk, this is a good choice, especially if they don't like plain water. Milk isn't bad for teeth. It also contains calcium, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

After your baby's first birthday, whole (full fat) cows' milk can be given as a drink alongside a balanced and varied diet.

Children can have semi-skimmed milk from the age of two, as long as they're good eaters and growing well.

Skimmed and 1% milk aren't suitable for children under five.

Milk alternatives, such as soya drinks, can be fed to children from the age of one as part of a healthy, balanced diet. If you give your baby milk alternatives, make sure they are unsweetened and fortified with calcium.

Children under five years shouldn't have rice drinks as they may contain unsafe levels of arsenic.

You can try making your own milkshakes and smoothies by blending soft fruit, such as banana, strawberries or mango, with milk or yoghurt. But remember, children should have no more than 150ml in total of fruit juice or smoothie.